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Seve By Sarah Gee
What makes a successful breeding stallion? This is one of the most frequently asked questions in our industry. Upon hearing it, knowledgeable breeders often respond “The ability to produce winners,” or “The ability to produce world champions.” Well, how about a stallion that produces World GRAND Champions – and out of his very first crop? Seve is just such a stallion; he is one of only a few that can lay claim to this accomplishment. The 2004 Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion P.G.A was among Seve’s first crop, a crop that yielded only 17 foals. Always believing in Seve’s ability as a sire, owners Dr. Barbara Utermark and Jerry Cole were ecstatic when they watched Seve’s son, P.G.A., take that spotlight ride the last Saturday night before Labor Day. So, how did Seve get to where he is today?
In the Beginning Not only does Seve possess the bloodlines of the renowned Prides Generator, his dam is The Doctor’s Lady. In addition to being sired by the great Dr. Elmer, this outstanding mare is a 3/4 sister to the multi-titled Gen’s Sundance Lady. Most successful breeders will agree that having a strong dam’s side is one of the greatest attributes a breeding stallion can have. According to Saddlecrest Farms’ Sheryl Crawford, “The dam’s side is so important when selecting a breeding stallion. His strong dam’s side is one reason we were so interested in pursuing Seve for our stallion line-up.” Crawford believes that the mare’s bloodlines account for just as much, if not more, than the sire’s bloodlines in the breeding of successful colts. Dr. Utermark purchased Seve when he was only three weeks old and he spent the first two years of his life at her home in Georgia. When he was two, Seve was placed in training with Allen Forman and soon the young colt’s tremendous talent was obvious. Shortly after receiving Seve, Forman severely fractured his own leg while breaking another colt. At that point, the decision was made to allow Seve to grow and mature. Thus, he was not campaigned until his four-year-old season. In discussing Seve, Forman remarks, “Seve is above any horse that I have ever dealt with in all my years of training. His talent and willingness to please were unmatched.”
In the Show Ring Few show horses have generated the level of excitement attained by Seve. With a reputation built on stamina and show ring presence, Seve quickly acquired a huge fan base. The 16 hand sorrel powerhouse would become known, according to many, as one of the greatest, most talented show horses of all time. Bill Barnett, Jr., a longtime walking horse enthusiast, offered the following thoughts regarding Seve, “Seve is the most spectacularly athletic horse I have ever seen. The first time I saw him in the trailer at the Celebration grounds I was overwhelmed by his physical presence. His breeding should accentuate the bloodlines of our industry to a level not yet achieved. Given the opportunity to have ridden him, my feelings have only solidified my opinion that Seve could be one of the most prominent sires of our lifetime.” Seve never made a show ring appearance without receiving at least one first place vote. Few fans of the Tennessee Walking Horse will ever forget the thrills and excitement Seve created in his Stake Competition debut at the 2000 Moneytree Classic. In one of the most thrilling performances of his career, Seve topped an extremely strong field of competition and just barely broke a sweat. When the announcer called for the final running walk that evening, Seve appeared to have enough stamina to go at least 10 more running walks. Over the next couple years, this became his trademark – his seemingly endless supply of energy – that big, bold running walk that worked the crowd into a frenzy. Forman and Seve generated a similar level of excitement during the 2003 TWHBEASM National Futurity when they put on an under saddle exhibition. This performance had many fans hoping for a return to the show ring for Seve. During the 2004 Celebration, Seve, now on keg shoes, could often be seen carrying Utermark on an early morning ride. Dr. Utermark says that she still enjoys Seve as much as ever, but in a different fashion now that he is no longer a padded performance show horse. She is flattered that Seve can still generate the same talk and excitement that he did during his show career.
In the Breeding Barn Seve began his breeding career in Georgia where he was bred sparingly. His first crop yielded only 17 foals. Of those, one, P.G.A., would go on to become the 2004 Two-Year-Old World Grand Champion. Following Seve’s departure from show ring competition, the decision was made to stand him at public stud. As loving and dedicated stallion owners, Utermark and Cole were determined to find the best facility at which to stand Seve. After a great deal of research and deliberation, they chose Saddlecrest Farms in Shelbyville, Tennessee to manage Seve’s breeding program. Saddlecrest is a 140-acre facility built by long-time walking horse owners and exhibitors Doug and Sheryl Crawford. The farm is renowned throughout the walking horse industry for providing top of the line mare and stallion care. After reviewing Saddlecrest’s program and facilities, Utermark and Cole were confident that the farm could provide exactly the kind of life they had in mind for Seve. He is housed in a spacious stall with two windows and even has his own personal exercise paddock, where six days a week he romps and grazes to his heart’s content. Utermark states, “I felt anxious having Seve live somewhere I could not check on him daily. I don’t worry anymore. The stallion manager, Jeremy Carlton, and Seve have a real bond and all the staff at Saddlecrest are truly remarkable.” Seve is successfully crossing with a variety of mare lines. P.G.A. is out of Extra Leading Lady who is by Extra Cash. It’s no surprise that Saddlecrest is booking a lot of mares to Seve from the Extra Cash/Hard Cash line. Dr. Elmer mares are also proving to be a great cross with Seve, as well as mares by I’m In Command, Delight Of Pride, Pushover, Super Stock, and Pride’s Beam just to name a few.
The name Seve has, for quite some time, been synonymous with thrills and excitement throughout the walking horse industry. Never one to disappoint under saddle, Seve is now proving that the same holds true in the breeding barn. He is indeed living up to the expectations of his owners, breeders, and, last but certainly not least, his loyal fans. – Tanya Hopper
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